The project is a self-sufficient prototype for combating hunger and acts as a nucleus for urban development within its context. Due to soil contamination, the project employs unconventional food production methods, including spirulina pond and hydroponics, to provide fresh vegetables that effectively combat malnutrition. The project also addresses water contamination through three methods of water collection and purification: rainwater collection, dew harvesting, and underground water extraction and purification. Additionally, the project utilizes an in-situ bio-digester to produce biogas that can be used for cooking, lighting, and heat production from organic waste, biomass, and agriculture remains. The design program elements are embodied in a circular periphery that offers flexibility for expanding or shrinking the prototype according to the altering functional needs without affecting the main structural system of the overhead shed. The design program elements allow air circulation between them, and the intimate spaces between them offer a playful experience for enhancing children's physical and psychological health. The prototype is grouped into two main zones surrounding an asymmetrical courtyard: the familial zone and the productivity zone. Moringa and Neem trees surround the project area and act as a green belt. The project acts as a self-sufficient children's house and nucleus for urban development within its context. The prototype employs stabilized clay bricks to construct the conical frustums, and each space is covered by a reciprocal roof composed of bamboo, which is supported by columns and beams made of rosewood. The circular roof is constructed to reduce heat transfer and is covered with locally grown and harvested thatch. The prototype also utilizes waste materials in the construction process to save natural resources. Each space is constructed using stabilized clay brick, and the project foundation is composed of laterite stone.

A perspective shot showing different methods for food production including spirulina pond and hydroponics

The prototype provides unconventional food production methods are utilized, including spirulina pond and hydroponics. Spirulina is an effective remedy against malnutrition. Hydroponics is built using recycled water pipes to provide fresh vegetables.

A perspective shot showing the role of impluvium as a tool for collecting rainwater through water channels

The prototype provides three methods for collecting clean water. First: The roof is designed as an impluvium to collect rainwater. Second: A dew harvesting tower catches water from the humid air via natural condensation. The collected water flows in channels filled with rocks and Moringa seeds for purification before being deposited in an underground tank. Third: A well with a depuration system is used to extract and purify underground water.

A study 3d section showing different techniques embedded in the design for securing food, water, energy

The use of unconventional food production and water collection methods could inspire a greater focus on sustainability and self-sufficiency in the design of future projects, particularly in areas with limited resources or in areas impacted by pollution or other environmental challenges. Overall, the "Le Phare" project showcases the potential for innovative and sustainable design and construction practices to address complex challenges and create more resilient and adaptable structures. The organic waste, biomass, and agriculture remains are delivered to an in-situ bio-digester to produce biogas used in cooking, lighting, and heat production.

The double roof morphology responds to climate forces. The autonomy of design program elements allows air circulation between them

The design program is embodied in a circular periphery in which required spaces are represented as free-standing conical forms. Enclosed spaces can be added or removed from the design if necessary, without affecting the design.

A perspective shot showing the courtyard and its role as a social engagement zone

The prototype's role is to provide a safe and intimate environment for children and their mothers. The circle was selected as the main design element to provide a sense of protectiveness and safety. The intimate spaces between the design program elements offer a playful experience for enhancing the children's physical and psychological health.